Possible Reason for Ryan's Setbacks

by DopeFalcons on Nov 5, 2011 7:47 PM EDT

A few of us here have often wondered the real reason behind Ryan's slippage this season. Mike Mularkey? Lack of arm strength? Happy feet in the pocket? One could certainly make an argument for all of these. Follow me after the jump and I'll discuss one factor that not many have thought about.

Lack of competition on the depth chart. Rather simple really.

When the only competition you've had since becoming the starter are the likes of Chris Redman, DJ Shockley, and the woeful JPW, it could be rather easy to not be as fiery and motivated. Ryan knows there isn't anybody on the current depth chart that could unseat him. Not saying he is purposely having an off year, but lets face it, when you know there is a legit chance of somebody taking your spot, human nature is to "step your game up". This doesn't just apply to football but in life in general.

Now, Redman isn't a slouch at backup QB but I don't think anybody would be comfortable with him leading our playoff push. Rojohombre is also getting up there in age, so you figure its only a matter of time before the Comrade brings in somebody who could be more than capable at backup QB, because we sure as hell know it isn't JPW.

What are your thoughts on our depth at QB? We don't really have many picks at our disposal this year so you figure free agency would be our route. Matt Flynn? Brady Quinn? Weigh in guys!

This FanPost was written by one of The Falcoholic's talented readers. It does not necessarily reflect the views of The Falcoholic.

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I still think DJ could've made it in the NFL if he hadn't blown his knee out.

We’ll never know, though.

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by Caleb Rutherford on Nov 5, 2011 10:02 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

The guy was an athlete

Thats for sure. Would be alot better having him with us instead of JPW. Don’t want to sound like I keep bashing the guy, but hs preseason performance was all types of bad. I’m talking Kurt Kittner ugly.

by DopeFalcons on Nov 6, 2011 12:02 AM EDT up reply actions

I think Ryan is permanently on

competitive wise, I don’t think he has an off switch. He seems like the sort of guy who wouldn’t let a lack of competition translate to a lack of preparation/fire. That being said, I’m all up for bringing in a new backup next year, as Redman is getting on in years as you’ve said. I just don’t think lack of competition is to blame for the downturn in Ryan’s numbers. He’s had (roughly) the same depthchart behind him since being here, and nobody’s doubted his fire yet.

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by Turner_The_Burner on Nov 6, 2011 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Very true

But its quite easy to let up when you know there is nobody worth taking your spot. Let’s recap his seasons:

2008-Wanted to prove something coming out of the draft. Impressed teammates with work ethic and leadership, which translated to a winning record and a playoff berth.

2009-Didn’t finish season due to injury.

2010-Best season as a pro. Playoff berth, firstround bye.

The guy wins. Nobody is questioning that. I just want him to hit that next gear, and simply bringing in somebody who can make him reach that can only be good. It seems to have worked for Decoud.

by DopeFalcons on Nov 6, 2011 12:54 AM EDT up reply actions

That's true

I’m a big DeCoud fan, and I’m a big fan of Corey Peters too, and we’ve seen what having to earn the spot is doing. Could see another example in the Baker/Svitek LT situation. Competition can never be bad. That being said, if we were to bring in a new backup, I doubt he would ever actually take Ryan’s spot. It’d take injury or some very, very, very atrocious games to unseat Ice as top of the depth chart. But I agree with you, competition is always positive.

Be sure to check out this week's Best Case/Worst Case article here.

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by Turner_The_Burner on Nov 6, 2011 3:53 AM EDT up reply actions